The imitation metal money was thin and fragile, made of lead and bronze. In the Spring and Autumn period (1600 - 1046 BC), archaeologists have found evidence of imitation metal money. Imitations of money in the form of stones and bones (along with cowrie shells) were found in tombs. Archaeological evidence of ‘fake/spirit money’ can be seen as far back as circa 1000 BC. The use of spirit money (also known as hell money or heaven money) in different rituals is deeply rooted in Asian culture. Such papers come in varying colours and are supposed to represent cloth for the ancestors. (A tael is a weight measurement similar to the Thai baht, part of the Chinese system of weights and the currency).Ī further form is a single-coloured paper with one side having a rougher surface and the other side a smoother one. Incense paper is a yellow coloured paper with a gold foil printed on it representing a gold tael or with a silver foil representing a silver tael. Incense paper differs slightly from joss paper, though serves the same purpose. In Taoist rituals, the practice of burning joss paper to deities or ancestors is acceptable. Note that incense sticks are sometimes called joss sticks. Joss paper burning is usually the last performed act in Chinese deity or ancestor worship ceremonies and at funerals it is the last ceremony before the deceased is lowered into the ground. The joss paper is folded in half, or folded into a shape of a gold ingot before being burned in an earthenware pot or a specially built chimney. This practice is an extension of the belief that burning real money brings bad luck. Alternatively in some customs, each joss paper sheet may be folded in a specific way before being tossed into the fire. When burning the joss paper, the sheets are treated as real money: they are not casually tossed into the fire, but instead placed respectfully in a loose bundle. Another appearance form of joss paper is "gold paper", shaped like ingots or towers. The colour of the paper is white, white colour representing mourning, the square foil normally has a golden or silver metal shade and hence representing wealth or money, leading to the name ghost or spirit money. Each square of paper has either a thin piece of square foil glued to its centre or it may be endorsed with a red ink seal from a traditional Chinese seal. Traditional joss is cut into individual squares or rectangles. Joss paper is traditionally made from coarse bamboo paper, although rice paper is also commonly used. Joss paper is also burned in traditional Chinese funerals. _ Joss Paper Joss Paper, also known as ghost or spirit money, are sheets of paper that are burned in traditional Chinese deity or ancestor worship ceremonies during special holidays. Home Earth Continents Asia Thailand / China Chinese New Year Photos Chinese Customs and Traditions Glossary Joss Paper
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